Validity of the Settlement permit
Unlike a temporary residence permit, the Settlement permit is unlimited, but this does not mean that it remains valid indefinitely without being updated. There are certain deadlines and requirements that you must adhere to in order to ensure that your Settlement permit remains valid. One of these requirements is the renewal of the electronic card.
Why does the card have to be renewed every 10 years?
Even if the Settlement permit is unlimited, the associated card on which your data is stored is only valid for 10 years. This is because the cards are subject to technical and security updates. Regular replacement ensures that your personal data and biometric information, such as your passport photo and fingerprint, remain up to date.
- Renewal required to ensure technical safety
- Every 10 years a new card for the issue of a Settlement permit as proof
- No re-examination of the requirements necessary
What happens when the Settlement permit expires?
If you do not renew the Residence permit to Settlement permit in time, this does not mean that your residence rights expire. You may continue to live and work in Germany.
Nevertheless, you should ensure that you update the card in good time, as the absence of a valid card can lead to problems, for example when traveling or dealing with official authorities.
Expiry of Settlement permit for longer stays abroad
An important point about the validity of Settlement permit is that it can expire under certain circumstances.
If you stay outside Germany for longer than six months, your Settlement permit may expire. To prevent this, you can apply for a permit for longer stays abroad at the relevant Foreigners' office .
- Expiry after six months abroad
- Application for extension possible before departure
- Important for people who travel frequently for family or professional reasons
Passport transfer for expired passports
When your passport expires, this also affects the validity of your Settlement permit. Your Settlement permit will remain valid, but the card linked to your passport will need to be updated. The so-called "passport transfer" ensures that your new passport number is correctly stored on your residence permit card.
When is a passport transfer necessary?
A passport transfer is always necessary when your current passport expires or you receive a new passport. The requirement is § 48 AufenthG on the obligations under identification law.
As the data on your settlement permit card is linked to your passport, this correspondence must be maintained. Without a passport transfer, difficulties could arise when dealing with authorities or traveling internationally.
When you need to act:
- New passport issued
- Old passport expired
- Loss of passport and issue of a replacement passport
Steps for passport transfer
Passport transfer is a relatively simple process, but it must be applied for in good time to avoid any inconvenience.
Here are the steps you should follow:
Make an appointment at Foreigners' office
Contact your local Foreigners' office to make an appointment. There may be longer waiting times, especially in larger cities.
Prepare the required documents
You need:
- Your new passport
- The current Settlement permit map
- A recent biometric passport photo
Apply for a passport transfer
Submit your documents at the appointment. The application is usually processed quickly and you will receive a new card with the updated data.
Do I have to provide new proof when transferring my passport?
If you transfer your passport, you do not need to provide new proof of your eligibility for Settlement permit . This means that there is no need to check your eligibility again. The process is limited purely to updating your personal data. You only need to submit the new passport information and, if necessary, a current photo.
- No re-examination of your residence permit
- Only new passport information required
- Timely action prevents delays
Travel with expired Settlement permit
Are you planning a trip abroad and your permanent residence permit has expired? This can lead to unexpected complications. It is important to make sure that your residence permit card is valid before you leave the country. Otherwise, you may encounter difficulties when re-entering Germany. Here you can find out what you need to bear in mind.
Legal risks when traveling abroad
If your settlement permit card has expired, this could lead to problems when you return to Germany. Although your residence status in Germany remains indefinite, the validity of the card itself plays a decisive role when entering the country.
Possible risks:
- Problems with re-entry: Many countries and airlines require a valid Residence permit to enter Germany. Without a valid card, you may be refused re-entry.
- Delays at border controls: Even if you can return to Germany in exceptional cases, you must expect additional checks and delays.
- Fines or warnings: In certain cases, there could also be legal consequences if the authorities find that your card is not valid.
It is therefore crucial to check in good time before your trip whether the Settlement permit card is still valid.
Procedure for renewal before traveling
If your card has expired or is about to expire, there are clear steps you should take before traveling abroad. The process is usually straightforward, but it does require some lead time to apply for renewal.
Step 1: Make an appointment at Foreigners' office
The card is renewed at Foreigners' office. Make an appointment in good time, as there may be longer waiting times in some cities.
Step 2: Compile the required documents
You will need the following documents to renew your card:
- Your current passport
- The expired residence permit card
- A new biometric passport photo
Step 3: Apply for temporary documents
If you have to travel at short notice and the renewal process takes longer, you can apply for a temporary certificate (fictitious certificate) at Foreigners' office to secure your re-entry.
Important tips:
- Renew the card at least two months before your trip.
- If necessary, apply for a fictitious certificateto ensure your return to Germany.
- Find out from your airline about the entry requirements with an expired Residence permit.
Backgrounds of the Settlement permit
The Settlement permit in accordance with Section 9 of the Residence Act (AufenthG ) is an important step towards long-term residence in Germany. It offers numerous advantages and provides clarity about your legal status in the country. However, before you can benefit from the advantages, it is important to understand the legal framework associated with this permit.
Key legal points of the Settlement permit
The Settlement permit is an indefinite Residence permit permit that allows you to live and work in Germany permanently. However, there are certain requirements for this residence permit that you must meet in order to obtain it.
Important legal requirements for the application:
- At least 5 years residence permit: You must have been in possession of a residence permit for at least five years.
- Secured livelihood: You must be able to secure your livelihood independently and permanently, without state assistance.
- Proof of gainful employment: Foreign nationals must prove that they are permitted to work if they are employees.
- Pension payments: You must prove that you have paid at least 60 months of compulsory or voluntary contributions into the pension insurance scheme.
- Language skills: Sufficient knowledge of the German language at a minimum B1 level (sufficient) is required.
- Successful completion of the integration course: You must have basic knowledge of the legal and social order and living conditions in Germany as a prerequisite for the issue of the Settlement permit permit. This is done by successfully completing the integration course
- No safety concerns: There must be no serious legal or safety concerns about your stay.
If you meet these requirements, you can obtain your Settlement permit without any problems.
Advantages of the Settlement permit
If you are granted a Settlement permit , it offers you numerous advantages that will secure your long-term stay in Germany and give you more freedom and stability.
Advantages at a glance:
- Permanent residence: In contrast to temporary residence permits, you no longer have to apply for regular extensions.
- Independence: With a Settlement permit you can pursue unrestricted employment in Germany without being tied to a specific employer.
- Freedom of movement within the EU: After a certain period of time, you can also apply for residence rights in other EU countries with Settlement permit .
- Easier access to Naturalization: Anyone who has a Settlement permit generally has an easier path to German citizenship.
- Permanent residence: You may choose a place of residence in Germany without restriction and also purchase real estate.
Settlement permit apply?
Conclusion on the validity of the Settlement permit
As you can see, the topic of the validity of Settlement permit is very diverse and extensive. We have now summarized the key points of the topic for you and looked at the future of Settlement permit .
Key points of validity and passport transfer
- Renew card every 10 years: Irrespective of the permanent status, the settlement permit card must be updated every 10 years.
- Passport transfer for new passport: If your passport expires or you receive a new one, you must have the Settlement permit card adapted.
- Timely renewal: Make sure you take action in good time before the card expires to avoid legal risks, especially when traveling.
- Settlement permit Always valid: Your Settlement permit is never lost. However, you must have it renewed to avoid any problems when traveling or during checks.
Future of the Settlement permit
The Settlement permit remains a central Residence permit in Germany. It offers many advantages, such as permanent residence and easy access to Naturalization. If you are planning to stay in Germany for the long term, Settlement permit will not only provide you with stability, but also flexibility for the future.
FAQ - The most important questions about the validity of the Settlement permit
The Settlement permit itself is unlimited, but the associated card must be renewed every 10 years. This is because the cards are subject to security updates and your biometric data must be kept up to date.
Yes, under certain circumstances, the Settlement permit may expire. This happens if you stay outside Germany for more than six months without interruption. In some cases, you may be able to stay abroad for up to a year without your Settlement permit expiring. Depending on the circumstances, you can apply for a permit for longer stays abroad.
If your passport expires or you receive a new passport, you must have the data on your settlement permit card adjusted. To do this, make an appointment at Foreigners' office and bring your new passport and the old settlement permit card with you. Your authorization will not be checked again, only the passport information will be updated.
If you do not renew your Settlement permit card on time, your residence rights will remain valid, but you may encounter difficulties when traveling or dealing with the authorities as your card will be invalid. Timely renewal prevents these complications.
If your settlement permit card has expired, you may have problems re-entering Germany, even if your residence status is permanent. It is strongly recommended that you renew the card before traveling or apply for a temporary certificate (Fiktionsbescheinigung) at Foreigners' office to avoid difficulties at the borders.
